Honouring the legacy of the Late Erminie Joy Cohen, C.M., O.N.B, the New Brunswick Adoption Foundation founding Chairperson, this award was created to promote awareness of children in need of families, celebrate Erminie's legacy and caring contribution to so many causes, and to recognize individuals who exemplify the similar passion and dedication that she demonstrated for children without families in New Brunswick. Recipients of the Erminie Cohen Compassion Award are chosen based on their outstanding contribution to the welfare and well-being of children, youth, and/or families in New Brunswick as well as their ability to inspire and be a catalyst or mentor for the engagement of others.

Dr. Doucet has been working for nearly two decades to improve the lives of youth in care while advocating for changes to the child welfare systems across Canada, starting in her home province of New Brunswick. In 2012, as an alumnus of the foster care system, she was one of the first leaders of the New Brunswick Youth in Care Network (NBYCN) and presented at the first NB Youth in Care Hearings.

Melanie went on to complete her PhD in Social Work at McGill University. Her doctoral research, Relationships Matter for Youth ‘Aging Out’ of Care, provided a platform for youth from care to develop child welfare research, policy, and practice recommendations based on their lived experience expertise.

Melanie has dedicated her life to advocating for children and youth in care. Her passion, and drive to keep systems accountable to the young people they serve is unrelenting and inspires us all. Congratulations Melanie!

Zo Bourgeois, New Brunswick Adoption Foundation Board member

In her current role at the Child Welfare League of Canada, Dr. Doucet is leading the Equitable Standards for Transitions to Adulthood for Youth in Care to ensure transitions to adulthood are healthy and supported for youth in care across the country.

The New Brunswick Adoption Foundation will be recognizing Dr. Doucet at the Erminie Cohen Compassion Award Celebration, hosted by the Honourable, Brenda Murphy, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick on Tuesday, November 21 at 2 p.m. at Government House, in Fredericton.